Seekonk Election Preview

The April 1st town election features a number of highly competitive races.

Voters will be asked to approve a debt exclusion, which is a temporary tax increase, to pay for the town’s share of the new Tri-County Regional Vocational High School in Franklin. Last October, voters from 11 communities across three counties approved funding construction of the $286 million project. Some reimbursement of the cost will be paid by the Massachusetts School Building Association. The remaining $200 million will be paid by the 11-member communities. Seekonk’s annual contribution is $1.1 million over a 30 year period. Town Administrator Shawn Cadime explained if the debt exclusion is not approved, the money would be taken from the operating budget. That action would likely impact public safety and the schools.

Sandra Escaler, John Pozzi, Christopher Rizzo, and Kristen L’Heureux are running for the vacant Town Clerk position. The winner will serve the remainder of Florice Craig’s term. Craig retired last December.

Former Fire Chiefs Michael Healy and David Viera are running against incumbent Christopher Zorra for the two open seats on the Select Board.

Healy resigned from the Board last November due to “a very personal family issue” which he said has now been resolved. Healy was a member of the Seekonk Fire Department for 35 years. He retired in 2019 but returned a few months later when the town was struggling to find a new Fire Chief. “I will work with anybody for the best interest of the town of Seekonk because it’s not about individuals, and not about personal agendas, it’s about doing the right thing for the town of Seekonk,” Healy said.

Viera previously served three terms on the Select Board in addition to serving as Fire Chief. He has also been involved in several committees through the years. Viera is not pleased with the direction of the town and wants to see change. Inflation, increased property taxes, and other expenses are impacting everyone. “We need to give the people of this community some relief,” Viera said.

Zorra is running for a third term on the Select Board. Building a new Department of Public Works facility is one of his top priorities. “I listen, I respond,” Zorra noted. “I don’t have issues with anyone. I get along (with fellow board members). We’re not necessarily friends but we respect each other.”

Alicia MacManus, Lisa Rizzo, Luis Sousa, and Joshua Troiano are running for two open seats on the School Committee.

MacManus is an attorney who wants to serve as a liaison to the community. She has attended several meetings with the Aitken PTO and would love to run the school’s annual Pumpkin Something event.

Rizzo works as a Nursing Supervisor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Rizzo also teaches at the hospital’s Emergency Cardiac Care program.

Troiano is a 2023 graduate of Seekonk High School. He is currently attending Stonehill College and is studying criminal justice.

Sousa, a member of the TV9 Board of Directors, promises to be a voice for parents and believes in being transparent with residents.

Polls will be open from 7 am to 8 pm. All voting will be conducted at Seekonk High School, 261 Arcade Avenue.